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Sensuality BoutiqueInformation and Advice Some Commonly Asked Questions: 1. What are Phthalates? 2. About Latex Allergies. 3. What is a Cockring and how does it work? 4. What is Vaginismus? 5. What is Dyspareunia? 6. What is Vulvodynia? 7. Types of Lubricants (under construction) 1. What are Phthalates? Phthalates are chemicals mainly used as plasticizers (substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility). They are used in a variety of things around us, including perfume, gelling agents, pill coating, food products, paint, textiles, and jelly sex toys. There is a global debate as to the safety of phthalates, therefore we offer you an increasing variety of phthalate-free products. We recommend that you always look for product information on packaging. Many products will also carry a European Safety Standard notice. The word ‘safe’, alone, is not enough. We advise using condoms in conjunction with toys, especially if you’re in doubt. To our knowledge, non-porous materials such as glass, pyrex, hard plastics, metal, and silicone are generally safe. At Secret Women''s Business, we care for you! We offer you info and options, natural products, latex-free product, and phthalate-free products...and choice.
Why have so many people become sensitive to latex? The answer is not yet well understood. The use of latex medical products like surgical gloves has increased tremendously during the 1980s in order to reduce possible health risks. Safe-sex practices are even more of a critical concern than ever before. Thankfully, society is now realising that we need to provide latex-free products, including latex-free condoms.
This sudden increase in demand for latex during the last two decades, especially gloves, has meant that new manufacturers have emerged, and that new industrial processes have been evolved, and perhaps even new, or subtly different, sources of raw material have been used. Rubber products manufactured today may have higher concentrations of allergens (than those of years ago) as a result of some, or all, of these changes. Raw "latex" describes either the sap of the Brazilian rubber tree (Hervea brasiliensis), or products made by dipping forms into the sap (gloves, balloons, condoms, etc.). Allergic reactions caused by latex are an immune system response to the 'proteins' that are naturally present. What is latex sensitivity? There are three different types of reactions to natural rubber latex. They are(1) irritation, (2) delayed hypersensitivity (allergic contact dermatitis), and (3) immediate hypersensitivity (anaphylactic symptoms). Irritation is typically classed as a 'non-allergic' condition. The irritated skin may be dry & crusty, and the symptoms naturally resolve when contact with the latex ceases. Delayed hypersensitivity presents itself as skin becoming dry, crusty and leathery with eruptions appearing as sores and blisters. This response occurs between 6 and 48 hours after initial contact. Repeated latex exposure causes the skin condition to expand beyond the area of contact. Many people with delayed hypersensitivity have a history of atrophy (allergy, dermatitis, or asthma). Immediate hypersensitivity is an allergic response mediated by IgE (an antibody found in blood circulation). On the skin, this can present hives that migrate beyond the point of contact with latex. Systemic allergic symptoms can include itching eyes, swelling of lips or tongue, breathlessness, dizziness, abdominal pain, nausea, hypotension, shock, and potentially even death. These symptoms are likely to result from a massive release of 'histamine' at a local or whole body level. This condition results from binding of the latex allergens to the sensitized receptors on mast cells. Information extracted from liquid latex 3. What is a 'Cockring' and how does it work?
A ‘cock ring’ is a ring worn around the penis and often behind the testicles. It enhances the appearance of the genitals, giving men a fuller and harder erection. It can also help to maintain an erection and prolong orgasm. Some men enjoy using cock rings for masturbation, or for the particular sensation of tightness or engorgement that wearing one provides, or as jewellery, simply for the appearance. When a man is aroused blood flows into his penis, causing an erection. At the same time a small muscle spasm occurs near the base of the penis which traps the blood, keeping his penis hard. A cockring works by helping to keep the blood inside the penis, making for a fuller and harder erection, It constricts the blood flow into the corpus spongiosum, the spongy erectile tissue surrounding the urethra that allows ejaculation.
FLEXIBLE COCKRING: A basic ring is a great place to start exploring the world of cockrings. Basic rings are usually made from very flexible silicone, neoprene, or rubber. This type of cockring is very stretchy and easy to look after: just wash with soap and water. It can also be used over a condom. For a little extra protection, place it at the base of the condom to prevent leakage. Many silicone styles have nodules, “spokes”, or extensions, for extra clitoral, anal, scrotum, or perineum stimulation for the partner, when worn around the penis shaft. QUICK RELEASE: Quick release cockrings are easier to put on and take off. These may be made from rubber, leather, or nylon. They may have removable beads, they may be knotted, have press studs, or spiralling on and off the penis shaft. Many people like leather straps or penis cinches for the aesthetic appeal.
METAL & HARD PLASTIC: For experienced users only, there are many rings on the market that are made of solid metal or dense plastic. Some are quite elaborately decorated. A triple ring (shown far right, below) is designed to sit behind both the penis and testes, with one ring around the base of the penis shaft, and one around testes. There are serious DANGERS with metal cockrings, as they cannot be removed quickly (see below). How to Put on a Cockring... Most cock rings are designed to be worn behind the testicles and around the top of the shaft of the penis, right against the man’s body. With a more snug flexible ring (such as one made out of jelly, silicone or rubber) you can choose to wear it only around the shaft. Leather and metal rings are always worn behind the scrotum.
To take it off, simply reverse the steps, pushing the penis back through the ring first, followed by the testicles and finally the scrotal skin. Once you get the hang of putting the cock ring on with a flaccid penis, you can also try with it semi-erect. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS We recommend using Flexible or Quick Release cockrings. 2. For safety, don't use them if there's any pain, discolouration, coldness, numbness or tingling sensation (or lack of sensation!) in the penis. Remove them immediately if you experience these symptoms. 3. A cock ring should only increase the size of an erection slightly. Do not wear a cockring that is too tight. 4. If you have a condition such as cardiovascular problems, diabetes, a blood clotting or nerve disorder, you should check with your doctor before using a cock ring. 6. It is commonly suggested that wearing a cock ring for longer than 1 hour may constrict blood flow for too long. It may cause damage. 7. Never use a penis pump while wearing a cockring or any other constrictive device. 8. When used for extreme or total Erectile Dysfunction, it must be possible to fit the ring onto the erect penis immediately after an erection has been produced by the pump; this practically mandates the use of very flexible rings which can be fitted on the outside of the pump's cylinder, and slid onto the penis without removing it from the cylinder when erection has been maintained. 9. Read and heed instructions or print on product packaging. For erectile dysfunction, we also have other various sprays, lotions, gels, toys, extensions, and strap-ons that can assist in premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and lack of libido for men and women. For More Information, go to our Useful links for Information and Free Publications on Male Sexual Health.
4. What is Vaginismus? Vaginismus can be described as primary (that is, a woman has never been able to engage in any activity that involved vaginal penetration) or secondary (where the problem has developed, perhaps in response to painful or difficult earlier experiences).
5. What is Dyspareunia? Dyspareunia usually begins with a physical cause and is generally thought to be a physical rather than an emotional problem. It can be difficult to separate dyspareunia from vaginismus, since vaginismus may occur following a history of dyspareunia, and mild vaginismus is often accompanied by dyspareunia. Dyspareunia can be permanently present, or maybe emerge at any stage of life. It can occur during every sexual contact, or only in certains situations. It can be felt only around the opening of the vagina or deep within it. Treatments can include sex therapy, the use of plentiful lubrication, and physical therapies such as progressive dilation and massage. 6. What is Vulvodynia? Treatments can include drugs, changes in hygiene, self-care and diet, surgery, and physical therapies such as the use of vaginal dilators and massage. Remember that you should always consult your health practitioner before embarking on a course of self-help, in order to ensure that the cause of your pain has been fully investigated and appropriately diagnosed.
7. Types of Lubricants Water-based Lubricants: (under construction) Silicone-based Lubricants: (under construction) Chemical-free ("natural") lubricants: Modern life throws many chemicals and toxins at us on a daily basis, and consequently, there are a number of ingredients in products that many people are increasingly preferring to remove from their lifestyles. This includes body products like shampoos, moisturisers, and personal lubricants. Some ingredients you may wish to avoid. If you are prone to thrush (yeast infections), avoid products that contain Glycerine/Glycerol which is a preservative and sweetener in products. Diethanolamine (DEA) is a chemical wetting agent that keeps products viscous and can react with other ingredients to produce carcinogens that may cause cancers. An excellent safe substitute for this ingredient is Cocamide DEA. Some people may wish to avoid Menthol as it has been known to dry out the vagina somewhat. Parabens (under construction) Glycols (under construction) Fertility Lubricants: These are also known as sperm-friendly lubricants, are formulated to be safe for use by couples who are trying to conceive. Fertility lubricants are pH and electrolyte-balanced and have a specific concentration range that is safe for sperm. Warming Lubricants: These can cause a sensation of warmth. Breathing on these types of lubricants can increase the effect. Some lubricants are flavored to enhance oral contact. Cooling Lubricants: Some lubricants have a cooling ingredient in their formula. This is most commonly menthol or Peppermint Oil. As the product warms with the body, the ingredient's effect is released, providing a cooling sensation on the skin. Anal Lubricants: Many lubricants are safe for anal sex, but there are products that are specifically designed to enhance enjoyment of anal sex. Often, this is simply a thicker gel rather than a liquid. This thicker consistency is preferred because it helps the lubricant stay in place. Some lubricants contain benzocaine,an anesthetic. Due to the numbing effect of most anal lube, extra care should be taken as a lack of sensation makes accidental injury more likely.
Lubricant NO-NOs! Vaseline & Petroleum Jelly: These are petro-chemicals and coat the skin stopping its normal functions, can cause irritative to sensitive body tissue, and have been linked to significant health problems. They also dissolve condoms and latex products. Vitamin E creams, and other moisturisers: Unless specified for use as a personal lubricant, these products should be avoided for contact with internal parts of our bodies. These products may contain ingredients that are not suitable for use in this way. Oils: Common household oils such as Vegetable Oil, baby oil, Crisco, WD-40, Vaseline, some massage oils (unless they are specifically prescribed as lubricants also) are not safe as personal lubricants. They coat and clog the skin, are slow to flush away or out of the body, are not condom safe, and can provoke infection. And none of these products should ever go near a vagina! Butter (or margarine) is not a lubricant. It is an edible emulsion of fat globules made from fermented milk/cream and will also likely contain foreign matter and bacteria. It encourages infection. Leave it at the dinner table. And a final note on this matter, just because a product claims to be Organic does not mean it will be void of any unwanted ingredients. IA product may be made of natural ingredients but may not be body-safe.
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